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Can Glyphosate-Based Herbicides Contribute to Sustainable Agriculture?

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  • Sheldon Krimsky

    (Department of Urban, Environmental Policy and Planning, School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA)

Abstract

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) have become the leading agricultural herbicides used globally since the development of genetically engineered herbicide-tolerant crops. This paper investigates whether GBHs are consistent with or supportive of sustainable agriculture. Agricultural sustainability is defined by generally agreed upon goals: (1) promoting agroecology; (2) protecting soils and the Earth’s natural resources; (3) protecting biodiversity; and (4) enhancing the quality of life and health of farmers, farm workers, and society. Through an in-depth examination of the scholarly literature, the paper explores whether the scientific studies of GBHs are consistent with their sustainable applications in agriculture in the areas of human health, non-tillage agriculture, soil quality, aquatic ecosystems and beneficial, non-target species. Based on the four generally agreed upon goals listed above for agricultural sustainability, the paper finds that GBHs are not consistent with sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Sheldon Krimsky, 2021. "Can Glyphosate-Based Herbicides Contribute to Sustainable Agriculture?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2337-:d:503352
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Matin Qaim, 2020. "Role of New Plant Breeding Technologies for Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 42(2), pages 129-150, June.
    2. Perry, Edward D. & Hennessy, David A. & Moschini, GianCarlo, 2019. "Product concentration and usage: Behavioral effects in the glyphosate market," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 543-559.
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    4. Tom Kuhlman & John Farrington, 2010. "What is Sustainability?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(11), pages 1-13, November.
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